A few random photo from the other day, while out with my folks. GMTX switch engine at Loveland. Standing in the middle of the tracks, facing south. New concrete bridge just in front of me. Maybe 2 minutes later, a northbound freight passes by. Probably the most interesting catch, literally, was a full grown, about 24" long garter snake!! Actually 2 of them. Mated pair I think. Caught the male, held it for a couple minutes, before releasing. I was surprised!! Especially this time of the year!!
Who is using that GATX SW? And yes, late for the snakes. I saw a couple here just last Friday morning. It has been cold enough at night, and cool enough during days. Guess they're being brave.
The GMTX unit was at OmniTrax in Love land. In use by the Great Western. They seem to run a wide variety of odd/unusual locomotives. Think they also do wreck repair and repaints as well. I know they rebuilt/repainted a Coors unit several years ago. Rebuilt the cab and gave it a new paint job, with new lettering style.
Nice photos. Is the new bridge a result of the recent flooding? Otherwise why would the railroad install a spiffy new bridge on a line that still uses jointed rail.
Great photos. Did the snake poop on you while you held it? That was the standard "thank you" by any garter snakes I caught...
Actually, no it didn't. It really made no effort to get away either, as I slowly approached. And really did nothing as I slowly and gently picked it up! I was surprised. I've received many a Thank you gift like that years ago myself!
Thanks for sharing those pictures. I have a buddy who works for RJ Corman who spent a couple months out in your neck of the woods. He sent me a couple shots of some spectacular scenery (BNSF Frant Range, maybe?).... maybe I'll get aroung to sharing them eventually
Yes, new bridge a replacement for the original wooden trestle. Before: After: Same location, different side of track. Some work still to be done. Gonna be headed back that way with my folks shortly. Interested to see how far they've gotten.
Caught the SW out of the corner of my eye going to Sam's. So, I asked Dad if we could check a couple of side roads so I could grab a photo. The snakes, that was a lucky, and surprising find!! Mom found one moving, out the corner of her eye, stepped back, and then noticed the second one!! Started freaking slightly, as I went after the larger of the two and slowly proceeded to pick it up! Held it for a couple of minutes, then released. Have not done that in years either!! :teeth: Gotta get the photo that Mom took, of me holding snake. That was a successful day, in a variety of ways!
